Elections in Uttar Pradesh

Polling for the first phase of high-voltage Uttar Pradesh assembly elections on Wednesday recorded 62 per cent turnout on an incident-free day after a sluggish start due to rain, with Mayawati’s ruling BSP facing a tough challenge from the Congress, the BJP and the SP.

After an initial lull, polling picked up quickly after midday as the weather cleared with over 62 per cent of the 1.7 crore-strong electorate, which included 70 lakh women exercising its franchise, state election officials said.
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Polling was held in 55 constituencies spread over 10 districts – Sitapur, Barabanki, Faizabad, Ambedkar Nagar, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Gonda, Siddharth Nagar and Basti amidst tight security arrangements. The candidates include 796 men, 65 women and one eunuch.

The first phase of elections for the 403-member assembly will seal the fate of two ministers, 31 MLAs and 15 former ministers.
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The remaining phases of polling will be held on February 11, 15, 19, 23, 28 and March 3. Counting of votes will take place on March 6.